In a discussion with Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization, Putin said that in addition to cutting smoking, "We just should drink less alcohol. This will improve dramatically the health of the nation, it goes without saying."

He praised WHO's "recommendations on the propaganda of the healthy lifestyle" and pledged Russia's cooperation in this venture, Itar-Tass reported. He also saluted WHO's efforts to combat infectious diseases, "particularly your struggle with 'the bird flu' and the flu virus H1N1."

Putin assured the WHO chief that Russia does not intend to cut healthcare expenses.

"Despite the world financial and economic crisis we increase healthcare expenditures this year," he said. "The overall mortality rate reduced by 9 percent, the infant mortality rate went down by 22.7 percent and the birth rate increased by 18.7 percent."

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today's UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.

A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.

UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications.